Thelma Adams: Novelist, Critic, Oscar Expert
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Momoa needs to be seen in 3D to be believed
Game of Thrones hottie Jason Momoa — reprising the role that built Arnold Schwarzenegger — hunts both his dad’s killer (Stephen Lang) and the villain’s witchy daughter (Rose McGowan) in this pulpy reboot.
Though the adventure gushes with blood (there’s an amateur C-section on the battlefield), it’s also packed with thrills and sexy romance. Plus, the sight of Momoa’s torso stretching into the audience is a prime reason to see a 3-D movie this summer!
Jennifer isn't horrible!
Us Rating: *** Jennifer Aniston gets hilariously kinky in this outlandish comedy. Her potty-mouthed dentist hits on hygienist Dale (Charlie Day), who complains to his buddies Nick (Jason Bateman) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) — guys who also are being harassed by their employers. The bosses’ behavior contributes some of the funniest bits, like Colin Farrell‘s repulsive cokehead exec ordering Kurt to fire a colleague because he’s in a wheelchair.
When the trio decides to murder their superiors, the movie gains a giddy momentum, rolling from one disaster to the next. Along the way, Bateman perfects his uptight slow burn, while Day amps up the neurotic hysteria. Sure, a sex-crazed Aniston salaciously eating a banana feels cheap. But her comedic talents have always shined brightest when she’s part of a talented ensemble like this one
A mash note to Steven Spielberg
This suspenseful, funny 1979-set sci-fi flick echoes E.T. (Steven Spielberg produced) as Joe (Joel Courtney) and his middle-school pals accidentally film a mysterious train wreck while shooting a homemade movie. Suddenly an alien threatens their Ohio town — and the boys’ friendship. A strong Kyle Chandler enforces order as Joe’s lawman dad, while Elle Fanning catapults from child star to romantic heroine as a troubled teen.
Graham (left), Beatty get kooky
Third-grader Judy (Jordana Beatty) and her offbeat aunt Opal (Heather Graham) share a zany staycation (a manic car chase! a Bigfoot sighting!) in this grating family flick. While Graham charms as the artsy eccentric, newcomer Beatty overdoes it with the pop-eyed energy of a preteen Miley Cyrus. And the high-pitched, candy-colored comedy tries too hard to be fun.
L.A. artist Oliver (a moody Ewan McGregor) grapples with his 75-year-old father’s belated coming-out. Christopher Plummer delights as the late-blooming parent embracing a gay lifestyle, while Melanie Laurent charms as the free-spirited actress Oliver meets at a party. The film’s romantic ending is a bit forced, but the exploration of the father-son dynamic makes this a touching drama.
